Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/43—Electronic input selection or mixing based on input signal analysis, e.g. mixing or selection between microphone and telecoil or between microphones with different directivity characteristics
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
  • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
  • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
  • H04R25/602—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of batteries
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2225/55—Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning

Definitions

• the disclosed technology relates to gestures that cause a hearing device to enter a mode of operation, where the mode of operation prevents the hearing device from wirelessly communicating on all frequencies or limits the hearing device to wirelessly communicating to a select frequency or a select group of frequencies (also referred to as "reduced frequency mode").
• Airplane mode is a setting on smartphones and other mobile devices (e.g., tablets) that prevents a device from intentionally emitting radio energy. Because smart phones have easily accessible user interfaces, users can enter or exit airplane mode with ease. However, other devices such as hearing devices, lack an effective user interface for entering or existing airplane mode.
• hearing aids lack an effective user interface for entering airplane mode is because these devices are getting smaller for cosmetic reasons. As the hearing aids are reduced in size, the available area for user interface controls is getting smaller, in particular for in-the-ear hearing aids, and as a result there is not sufficient space for further user controls. Additionally, hearing aids have traditionally lacked the ability to communicate wireless, and thus there was no need for airplane mode.
• Pedersen discloses a technology for a head-worn device entering airplane mode, where airplane mode includes prohibiting a device from transmitting and receiving any wireless signals.
• the head-worn device can be engaged in airplane mode for an entire flight.
• Pedersen discloses a method for a hearing aid to operate in airplane mode, Pedersen's solution is not convenient because it requires the user to turn off all wireless transmission and reception functions for the hearing aid. Accordingly, a need exists to improve the technology and provide additional benefits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Figure 1 illustrates a communications environment in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed technology.
• Figure 2 illustrates a set of operations for operating a hearing device in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed technology.
• the disclosed technology relates to gestures that cause a hearing device to enter a mode of operation.
• the mode of operation prevents the hearing device from wirelessly communicating on all frequencies; and in some implementations, the mode of operation limits the hearing device to wirelessly communicating with a select frequency or a select group of frequencies (also referred to as "reduced frequency mode").
• the disclosed technology requires two gestures to enter airplane mode.
• a hearing device enters airplane mode based on receiving two input in order: a first input is a battery door closing and the second input is a user pushing a user input button on the hearing device. If the first and second inputs are received by the hearing device and the second input is received within 3 minutes of the first input, the hearing device enters airplane mode.
• the disclosed technology also includes a mode of operation that limits hearing device wireless communication to a select frequency or select group of frequencies.
• a hearing device manufacture can determine the select frequency or select group frequencies based on design specifications for the hearing device. For example, a hearing device operating in a reduced frequency mode based on receiving two input signals, wherein one input signal is a battery door closing and another input signal is the hearing device receiving a signal from a mobile phone in communication with the hearing aid.
• Reduced frequency mode prohibits the hearing device from transmitting wireless communication signals in BluetoothTM of Wi-FiTM frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz) and enables the device to transmit or receive signals on other frequencies (e.g., 10 to 50 MHz).
• Hearing device users may prefer to turn off BluetoothTM of Wi-FiTM communication and keep near field communication so that one hearing aid can communicate to another hearing aid (e.g., 10 to 50 MHz) even during flight.
• the disclosed technology has at least one benefit in some implementations.
• the disclosed technology enables a user to use only two inputs a single time to enter flight mode. Because a hearing device has a limited user interface, these simple gestures allow for a satisfying user experience.
• Another benefit of the disclosed technology is that a user enables his or her hearing device to communicate with another hearing device even during flight because the hearing device can use frequency ranges other than those restricted by the airplane or an organization.
• Table 1 discloses a few definitions for the disclosed technology. These definitions are controlling for the entire document unless another part of the document explains how the term differs from these definitions.
• some example protection hearing aids include a Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-the-Canal RIC,
• ITE In-the-Ear
• CIC Completely-in-the-Canal
• IIC Invisible-in-the- Canal
• Airplane Mode is a mode of operation that prevents a device from transmitting or
• Airplane mode is also referred to as "flight mode". In general, airplane mode prohibits Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication, which operate frequencies from 2.39 GHz to 2.486 GHz, including 2.4 GHz.
• Reduced is a mode of operation that causes a device to not transmit wireless
• Frequency communication signals on one frequency or within a range of frequencies.
• Operation mode is a mode of operation for a device.
• a first mode of operation can be a normal mode of operation.
• a second mode of operation can be an airplane mode or a reduced frequency mode.
• Gesture an action, motion, or input that transmits a signal to a hearing device.
• a single gesture or multiple gestures can modify the operation of a hearing device.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a communications environment 100 in accordance with some implementations of the disclosure.
• the communications environment 100 includes hearing devices 105, a mobile device 150, and a network 155. Although the hearing devices 105, the mobile device 150, and the network 155 are shown in the communications environment 100, the communications environment 100 can also include multiple hearing devices 105 or a single hearing device 105, multiple mobile devices 150, and multiple networks 155. Each of these components is described in more detail below.
• the hearing device 105 includes several components to provide audio information to a user.
• the hearing device 105 includes a user input 110, a housing 115 to protect the hearing device 105, a microphone 117 (shown schematically), a battery door 120 configured to open and close, a battery 125 (e.g., rechargeable battery, zinc-air, disposable) to power the hearing device 105, a closing member 130, a tube 135 (e.g., to transmit audio signals or sound waves), and a receiver 140.
• the battery door 120 is configured to move as shown by the bolded arrows 116a and 116b.
• the battery door 120 is coupled to housing 115 by hinge, screw, or pivoting component.
• a user can push, pull, or use the closing member 130 as a lever to close or open the battery door 120 of the hearing device 105.
• the hearing device 105 generates a clicking sound from the battery door 120 closing to indicate the battery door 120 is securely (e.g., locked) closed as a result of a mechanical movement.
• the receiver 140 can be a transducer (e.g., speaker) that provides sound to a user wearing the hearing device 105.
• the hearing device 105 can communicate with other devices or a network using the antenna 135 and the processor 140.
• the antenna 135 is at least partially electrically conductive member that can transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation.
• the antenna 135 is an antenna enable to configured to implement BluetoothTM, ZigBeeTM, or another 802.11 IEEE standard for wireless communication.
• the antenna is shown as being in the hearing device 105, the antenna can be outside of the hearing device 105 (e.g., attached to the hearing device outside of the housing).
• the antenna 135 is configured to electronically communicate with the processor 140.
• the processor 140 can be a microcontroller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other processing device.
• FPGA field-programmable gate array
• ASIC application specific integrated circuit
• the processor 140 can include a single chip or multiple chips (e.g., a chip set) to process, transmit, and send wireless communications.
• the processor 140 can also cause the hearing device 105 to enter or exit a mode of operation (e.g., turn on, turn off, turn on airplane mode, turn off airplane mode).
• the process 140 is transmitting or receiving "control signals" that are instructions or signals that cause a device to perform an operation.
• the hearing devices 105 can transmit or receive the wireless communication signals 145.
• the hearing devices 105 can receive streaming audio information from the mobile device 150.
• the hearing devices 105 can also communication with each other.
• the hearing devices 105 can communicate with each other using one frequency (e.g., 10 to 50 MHz) and communicate with other devices using a different frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz).
• the hearing devices 105 or a single hearing device 105 can communicate with a voice-recognition device such as a smart phone that has SiriTM or Google VoiceTM.
• the hearing device 105 can behave as a relay for another hearing device 105 so that the mobile device 150 communicates with only one of the hearing devices 105.
• the communications environment 100 includes one or more mobile devices 150.
• the mobile device 150 can be a mobile phone, smart phone, tablet computer, mobile media device, mobile gaming device, virtual or augmented reality headset, vehicle-based computer, wearable computing device, or portable electronic device.
• the mobile device 150 includes software or a mobile application that controls or communicates with the hearing device 105.
• the software or mobile application can configure the hearing device 105 by modifying software or firmware on the hearing device 105, changing a mode of operation on the hearing device 105, or collecting and analyzing data associated with the hearing device 105 and then modifying the hearing device 105 based on the collected and analyzed data.
• the mobile device 150 can include a graphical user interface (e.g., touch screen) where a user can input information or receive information and send control signals to the hearing devices 105.
• a user can push, toggle, or use the mobile device 150 as a second user input for entering or controlling a mode of operation for the hearing device 105.
• a user can push a touchscreen of a smart phone device using a hearing aid mobile application installed on the smart to instruct the hearing aid to enter airplane mode or reduced frequency mode.
• the mobile device 150 can also communication with the network 155.
• the mobile device 150 serves to communicate information from the network 155 to the hearing device 105.
• the mobile device 150 can transmit audio information available on the Internet or Cloud for use with the hearing device 105.
• the network 155 comprises multiple networks, even multiple heterogeneous networks, such as one or more border networks, voice networks, broadband networks, service provider networks, Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks, and/or Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs), interconnected via gateways operable to facilitate communications between and among the various networks.
• ISP Internet Service Provider
• PSTNs Public Switched Telephone Networks
• the network 155 can also include third-party communications networks such as a Global System for Mobile (GSM) mobile communications network, a code/time division multiple access (CDMA/TDMA) mobile communications network, a 3 rd or 4 th generation (3G/4G) mobile communications network (e.g., General Packet Radio Service (GPRS/EGPRS)), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), or other communications network.
• GSM Global System for Mobile
• CDMA/TDMA code/time division multiple access
• 3G/4G 3G/4G mobile communications network
• GPRS/EGPRS General Packet Radio Service
• EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
• UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
• LTE Long Term Evolution
• the process 200 enables the hearing device 105 to enter airplane mode. In other operations, the process 200 enables the hearing device 105 to enter a mode of operation where it can transmit or receive signals on some frequencies, but not other frequencies (e.g., it can transmit frequencies on the MHz and not GHz). This is mode is also called "reduced frequency mode" because the hearing device operates using at least one less frequency when in reduced frequency mode.
• the process 200 can begin uses a first input such as closing the battery door for a hearing aid, pushing the user input for a predetermined period of time, or when a user a mobile device in communication with the hearing device to enter operation.
• a device receives a first input to initiate an operation mode for a device.
• the first input can be: turning on the hearing device (e.g., closing the battery door), modifying a physical button on a device (e.g., pushing or turning a button), modifying a remote button (e.g., open, closing, or sliding a virtual button on a mobile phone), or receiving a signal from a remote graphical user interface.
• the first input is a user closing the battery door 120 ( Figure 1) a single time or multiple times (e.g., three times).
• the first input may not require a complete opening and closing of the battery door; rather, the first input can require a partial opening or a partial closing.
• a user can push or pull the closing member 130 to apply mechanical pressure to the latch or lock for the battery door 120 to the housing 115 of the hearing aid 115.
• the first input may be automatically generated.
• the first input can be generated when the hearing device 105 is turned on, and in some implementations the first input can be continuously active for an extended period of time (e.g., 2 to 3 minutes after the hearing device has turned on).
• the hearing device receives a second input to enter the operation mode for the device. Similar to the first input, the second input can be: modifying a physical button, receiving a signal from a sensor unit coupled to the hearing device, modifying a dial, modifying a remote button, modifying a remote graphical user interface, or modifying a button on a touch screen for a mobile device.
• the second input can be closing a battery door and the second input can be a user pushing the user input 110 (Figure 1) for extended period (e.g., between 5-20 seconds and preferably from 8-15 seconds, and more preferably from 8-11 seconds).
• a longer push e.g., 7 or more seconds
• a shorter push e.g., less than 7 seconds because a hearing device use does not want to enter flight mode accidentally.
• the first input can be short or long depending on how a manufacturer or user wants to program the circuit.
• the first input can require a user to close a batter door or push a button for at least 8 seconds.
• the first input can require a user to close a battery door or push a user input on hearing aid for at least 5 seconds up to 20 seconds, and in some implementations preferably 8-15 seconds.
• the hearing device modifies operation of the hearing device to operate in the operation mode.
• the hearing device 105 After receiving the first and second inputs, the hearing device 105 enters a mode of operation.
• the hearing device 105 can enter airplane mode where it does not transmit (or omits to transmit) wireless communication signals.
• the hearing device 105 can enter reduced frequency mode, where the hearing device 105 operates on a select frequency or select group of frequencies even though the hearing device 105 can operate on more frequencies.
• the hearing device 105 can transmit wireless communication signals using a signal with a frequency from 10 to 50 MHz and stop transmitting or receiving signals using a signal with a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
• the hearing device 105 can communicate with another hearing device using the select frequencies and still comply with flight requirements such as not using wireless communication devices that operate BluetoothTM or Wi-FiTM.
• Table 2 illustrates a few examples of a first input and second input, where if the hearing device receives the first input and the second inputs, the hearing device enters a mode of operation.
• the first input when a user pushes or toggles the first input, the first input sends a control signal to the processor 140 and the processor sends controls signals to various parts of the hearing device.
• the first and second inputs can produce control signals and the processor can receive, process, and retransmit these control signals.
• Table 3 illustrates examples of modes of operation based on first and second inputs and Table 4 illustrates examples modes of operation related to restricted frequency mode.
• Table 2 Example First and Second Inputs for Entering Modes of Operation
• the hearing device receives a third input to exit the operation mode for the device.
• the operation 220 is operation because the hearing device 105 can stay in an operation mode indefinitely or exit the operation mode.
• the third input can be: modifying a physical button, receiving a signal from a sensor unit, modifying a dial, opening or closing a battery door, modifying a remote button, modifying a remote graphical user interface, modifying a button on a touch screen for a mobile device, or receiving a signal from a pressure sensor.
• the third input is simply a repeat or the opposite of the first input.
• the third input can also be an extended push of the user input.
• the third input can be a user with a smart phone, where the user pushes a button in a mobile application as the first input and pushes the same button at a later time as the third input.
• first input was closing a battery door
• the third input can be opening a battery door.
• the hearing device modifies operation of the device to exit the operation mode.
• the hearing device 105 exits a mode of operation.
• the hearing device 105 can exit airplane mode or the reduced frequency mode.
• the process 200 can be repeated or stopped depending on preferences of the user (e.g., if the user wants to enter airplane mode again).
• a medical device e.g., cochlear implant
• wearable device can implement the process 200 to enter airplane mode or a reduced frequency mode.
• a commercial airplane can be configured to send out a signal to all devices that are capable of receiving wireless communications.
• the signal can be a request to enter airplane mode, where the signal is considered a first or second input for a device.
• a first hearing aid device provides a sound (e.g., beeping, low or high tone) through a receiver to a user for 2 minutes after the battery doors of the hearing device has been closed (e.g., indicating the device has re-booted or turned on).
• the sound indicates that the hearing device is enabled to enter hearing mode if the user inputs a second input.
• the user can enter a second input by pushing the user input button for a long period (e.g., more than 8 seconds) and then the hearing device can enter flight mode.
• the hearing device can also send a signal to another hearing device worn by the user to enter airplane, and after receiving this signal, the other hearing device can enter airplane mode.
• the other hearing device can also transmit a sound until the signal has been received.
• the mode is an exceptional mode, one could imaging providing a continuous notification up to explicit acknowledgement of the user. That is: Thje sequence to move in flight more.
• the HD starts playing a notification (e.g. LED ON or HD start regularly / slowly beeping).
• a button any button
• implementations may include a machine -readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process.
• the machine-readable medium can include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto- optical disks, ROMs, random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or other type of media / machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.
• Machine-readable medium includes a non- transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by a processor to operate or control a device.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Neurosurgery (AREA)
• Otolaryngology (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)

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• 2017
  • 2017-08-10 EP EP17751733.1A patent/EP3665908B1/de active Active
  • 2017-08-10 US US16/633,598 patent/US11206497B2/en active Active
  • 2017-08-10 WO PCT/EP2017/070292 patent/WO2019029810A1/en unknown
• 2021
  • 2021-10-15 US US17/502,927 patent/US11622205B2/en active Active

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